Different Techniques of Marching
There are many different techniques you need to know before we start talking about the anatomy. These techniques are the basic rules in marching band that make everyone look uniform and powerful to impress the judges.
Pulling Your Toes On Forwards Marching
In marching band your toes will always be pulled upward when marching forward or to the sides. This is really important, because when marching on a field the judges will easily be able to pick out the members who are pulling their toes really high, and the ones who aren't. When marching we pull are toes, but you also never bend your knee, or bend it was little as possible. This gives the band a look of power and poise.
Pointing Your Toes On Backwards Marching
When marching backwards you have to point your toes instead of pulling them. Pointing your toes is basically like on your tip toes. Pointing your toes in backwards marching, or on some complicated move, allows your to keep your body up right and have more control of balance.
Slides
When marching your midsection and up will always be facing the side line of the field, unless told other wise. This gives the judges and audience a clean view of the formations that the band is making.
Arm Positions
Arm positions are really important in marching, mostly because you're always holding your instrument. When your instrument is in the "down position" your wrist will be angled to hold the instrument and your fore arms will be in a triangle position. When lifting your horn to the "playing position," just flick your wrists enough so your mouth piece comes to your mouth.
Head Position
Your head position is also really important when performing. You always have your head at a 45 degree angle, which is usually where the audience and the judges sit. You also have a hat on, called a shako, which has a feather piece sitting on top called a plume. This makes it really easy for judges to pit out the members who have their head at just the right angle, or the ones who aren't putting their head up at all.